Water. Alternate your drinks with water. It helps to keep you hydrated and slow your drinking rate. And down a glass of water before you go to sleep.

Know your limits. Daily guidelines are 3-4 units for men and 2-3 units for women. Units do not always equate to one drink – often it’s more.

Think smaller. Choose a smaller bottle or glass.

Avoid top ups. Avoid top ups so you can keep track of your alcohol intake.

Make space. Drinking soft drinks between drinks can help pace an evening.

Beware of rounds. Stay in control (and save cash) by opting for smaller rounds or giving rounds a miss.

Consider your Gender. If you are female, be aware that alcohol will affect you more than males because female bodies contain less water.

Designate a driver. Before you leave home or make sure you have cash for a taxi home.

Take a break. Give your liver a chance to rest and recuperate. And stay in tip-top condition.

TOP 5 TIPS for cutting down

Chill less. If you enjoy a cold beer or two, don't put any more than that number in the fridge each day. Even if you've got more beers in the house, they'll be less appealing if they're warm.

Count your drinks. Work out how often and how much you drink at home. You might drink more alcohol than you think on an average night in.

Remember the short and long term effects of cutting back. Drinking less reduces the longer term risk of serious diseases such as cancer, liver disease and stroke; improves the condition of your skin; can have a positive effect on sleep patterns.

Stress less. Some people drink alcohol to relax, but in reality alcohol can make you feel even more anxious or depressed. Try not to make alcohol key to your after work wind down, and try some alternative stress-busters like hitting the gym with your mates or running a bath for yourself at home and putting some relaxing music on.

Ask for support. Tell friends and family that you're trying to cut down, they might be more supportive than you think. But beware, some people don't like to have their drinking behaviour challenged, so be prepared to defend your decision by remembering the benefits that cutting down brings.